What you need to know

A tsunami hit coastal areas of Russia's Kuril Islands and Japan's large northern island of Hokkaido after a powerful, 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia. Warnings are also in place for Alaska and other coasts south toward New Zealand. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 60 centimetres had been detected as the waves moved south along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Tokyo Bay.

IN PICTURES: First waves as millions under warnings

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By Emily Bennett08:53

Evacuees in Hawaii have packed up their cars and stocked up on supplies.

Fresh photos show long lines of traffic on Oahu, where residents are heeding warnings to move away from the coastline and get to higher ground.

Washington state resident Poppy Mellon filled his car with jugs of water at the Kapolei Walmart on the island as he joined the mass movement.

Many were seen parked on Kunia Road in Kapolei.

By Emily Bennett08:37

Waves of up to 30 centimetres have been observed on the US territory island of Guam.

According to the island's civil defence office, waves of similar heights are expected to ebb and flow.

This should gradually diminish in the coming hours and people are being warned to stay out of the water.

By April Glover07:40

Hawaii governor Josh Green said the state has not seen any"wave of consequence" quite yet.

He said no wave activity has come past the big island, also known as Hawaii Island, but warned residents weren't in the clear.

"Don't get on the road at all, if you need to," he said.

"Just lay low tonight and watch television."

All flights in and out of Maui have been cancelled and around 200 people are sheltering at the island's airport.

"All clear yet has not happened, just be a little safe for a little longer," he added.

"Everything has been OK so far."

Green said water receding at Hanalei Beach was a cause for concern and that energy in the ocean still posed a risk.

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